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A WELL-KNOWN local hotel is looking forward to a new era in its history with a complete refurbishment of the public and event areas.

The George Coaching Inn, at Piercebridge, has been serving customers since the 1500s, and has seen many changes in its time.

It is said that the notorious highwayman, Dick Turpin, visited, and that Henry Clay Work's 1876 famous song, ‘My Grandfather’s Clock’ was inspired by the clock at the hotel, which, back then, was a wayfarers’ inn. The upright longcase clock was said to have been owned by two brothers named Jenkins, and kept perfect time. It stood in the lobby of the inn, but when one of the brothers died, the clock began losing time, and it stopped forever upon the death of the other. 

The hotel has been through a number of hands over the years, and is now under the stewardship of Shepherd Cox Hotels, who have owned it since June 2016. In this, it’s third year of ownership, it is undergoing a substantial refurbishment to take it forward to the future.

The refurbishment is being undertaken by award-winning design and build company, Concorde BGW Group, which has teams in London and South Yorkshire, and who work with renowned brands across the hospitality sector.

The changes include dramatic Harlequin wallpaper – a company well known for producing high quality wallpapers of stunning design and colour. While original ceiling beams are still in situ, the wooden floors have been restored with a polished herringbone-design in the lounge and bar area.

The George Coaching Inn offers two large functions for weddings and any events. The meet-and-greet space connects on to the Ballroom Suite, allowing guests to mingle before heading down to the spectacular Ballroom Suite which holds up to 180 guests. The Pavilion Suite is perfect for the civil ceremony or events for up to 100 guests.

The George boasts many different rooms, from cosy snugs to large functions areas, perfect for all occasions. The welcoming Farmhouse bar and dining area leads through to The Snug, which is perfect for sitting by the fire on the Mouseman furniture, to catch up with a good book and glass of wine.

The private dining area is perfect for get-togethers, christenings, birthdays, or any corporate event, seating between two and 15 guests, while the Riverview restaurant provides fantastic views of the river Tees and the gardens, with the terrace areas perfect for a spot of Sunday Lunch.

The hotel has 33 bedrooms with eight double en suite rooms in the main building, with two additional buildings, one consisting of a mixture of 18 double and family en-suite bedrooms, and the other housing a further five double en suite bedrooms and a double en-suite room/family suite.

The friendly staff at The George are keen to welcome both previous and new guests to see the changes that have been made, and to experience the history of the area.

www.thegeorgehotelpiercebridge.com

The George Hotel, Piercebridge, Darlington, DL2 3SW

Telephone: 01325 374576